STEVE Bruce has admitted that he is seeking an experienced leader to anchor his defence next season.

As Kenny Cunningham has been released and Matthew Upson is not expected back in action until October at the earliest because of injury, there is a vacany for a captain-like figure.

From this season's defence, Mario Melchiot, Jamie Clapham and Stan Lazaridis have also departed on free transfers.

It has left Bruce with Olivier Tebily (aged 30) and Martin Taylor (26) as his two remaining stalwarts.

Mat Sadler (21), Marcos Painter (19) and Alex Bruce (21), the other contenders for a back-four slot, only have 20 league apperances between them for Blues.

That is bolstered by another 36 appearances, made up of Sadler's loan to Northampton Town (seven) and Bruce's spells at Tranmere Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday and Oldham Athletic.

Right-back James Blake (19) has graduated from the Academy and just signed his first professional contract.

Another youngster, 20-year-old stopper Sam Oji, has yet to agree a new contract.

"You haven't got to be Einstein to work out where we need players in," said Bruce, who could yet sign Spurs's Stephen Kelly to play right-back. "We need a couple of defenders at least. "That's most important I think because of the numbers we've got left there."

Bruce wants more energy and vigour throughout his side, and his youthful backline players would certainly bring that, as well as hunger to do well.

But it is noticeable that to chart the choppy waters of the Championship successfully, a wily old pro is needed on the defensive tiller.

"You have got to get the blend right," said Bruce. "Defensively, look at Malky Mackay at Watford, Craig Short at Sheffield United, two of the promoted clubs.

"If you can get good experience and good pros in those positions, it's vital. We had Steve Vickers and Jeff Kenna in our defence last time at this level and they made major contributions to getting us promoted.

"We've got Mat Sadler, Marcos Painter and Alex Bruce, all of whom have done well in difficult circumstances this season. But we need some experience to help them."

Bruce has also targeted a striker - Cameron Jerome - and a midfielder to add to the ranks this summer.

"We would obviously like to add another striker to the equation and then a midfield player who can maybe score a goal," said Bruce. "We need at least four or five new players, right the way through us.

"We need that experienced head at the back then, otherwise, all over the pitch, you want people with energy who can play competitively Saturday-Tuesday.

"I think we have got some players with decent energy around the middle of the park.